The 25 Greatest Centers in NBA History

NBA centers have always been a rare commodity. You'll be hard-pressed to find a great big man on a bad team. That's because many championship squads value defense and rebounding. NBA anchors usually come in waves. In today's game, we have Dwight Howard, Andrew Bynum, Brook Lopez, Tyson Chandler, Roy Hibbert, and Marc Gasol. In the '90s, there was David Robinson, Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutombo, and Hakeem Olajuwon. And let's not forget the originators in George Mikan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. So as we honor Hakeem the Dream's 50th birthday that he celebrated earlier this week, check out the 25 Greatest Centers in NBA History.

Written by Angel Diaz (@graffnameramo)

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Team(s): Cavs, Pistons
Career Stats: 12.9 PPG 9.7 RPG 2.0 APG 0.9 BPG
Accomplishments: 4x All-Star, 2x Champion, 1x Rebounding Leader

Bill Laimbeer was annoying as all hell and was the "muscle" behind the Bad Boy Pistons. He nearly averaged a double-double for his career, but what he did without the ball is why he's on this list. Laimbeer was the dirtiest player in the game for many years and his antics worked as the Pistons won back-to-back titles in '89 and '90 when he was their center. Bill was able to stretch the defense with the occasional three and started trouble with the not-so-occasional elbow. What he lacked in skill, he made up for in crazy. We wonder why he's had a hard time finding a head coaching job in the L.

Team(s): Hornets, Nets, Heat
Career Stats: 17.1 PPG 8.5 RPG 1.1 APG 2.8 BPG
Accomplishments: 7x All-Star, 2x Defensive Player of the Year, 2x All-NBA, 2x All-Defense, 1x Champion, 2x Blocks Leader

'Zo was one of the best defenders at the center position. If it weren't for his kidney problems, who knows what he would've accomplished. Coming from a lineage of Georgetown centers, Mourning made an immediate impact for the Charlotte Hornets after they drafted him No. 2 overall behind Shaq in 1992. During his rookie campaign, Alonzo averaged 21 points, 10 boards, and 3.5 blocks. He then hit the game winner that won their first playoff series versus an old and embattled Celtics team in the first round of the 1993 playoffs.

After beefing with Charlotte's other star, Larry Johnson, Mourning took his talents to South Beach and turned the Heat into perennial contenders. After a kidney transplant and a short stint with the New Jersey Nets, Alonzo returned to Miami and played a major role of the bench to help them win the 2006 championship versus the Dallas Mavericks.

Team(s): Packers, Zephyrs, Bullets, Knicks, Pistons, Hawks, Jazz
Career Stats: 20.1 PPG 13.7 RPG 2.4 APG
Accomplishments: 4x All-Star, 1962 Rookie of the Year, Member of the Hall of Fame

People are quick to act like Russell and Chamberlain only played each other. Walt Bellamy would have something to say about that. During his rookie year, Bells put up stupid numbers. He averaged 31 points and 19 rebounds which earned him Rookie of the Year honors in 1962. He was known as a scorer and hurt fools in the paint with his size and agility. When he hung it up in 1974, Bellamy was sixth all-time in scoring and third all-time in rebounding. And don't you ever forget it.

Team(s): Celtics, Bucks
Career Stats: 17.6 PPG 13.6 RPG 3.8 APG 1.1 SPG 0.9 BPG
Accomplishments: 8x All-Star, 1971 Rookie of the Year, 1x MVP, 3x All-NBA, 3x All-Defense, 2x Champion, Member of the Hall of Fame

Dave Cowens made it to the Hall of Fame by being one of the hardest workers amongst his peers. He was one of those guys that went after every lose ball, every rebound, and by the end of the night he had a double-double. His work ethic helped the Celtics win championships in 1974 and 1976, ultimately resurrecting the Boston dynasty after Bill Russell retired. He's evidence that fundamentals and a lot of heart will get you a long way. So, remember kids, box out and get low on defense. That might get you into the Hall of Fame one day.

Team(s): Knicks, Sonics, Magic
Career Stats: 21.0 PPG 9.8 RPG 1.9 APG 1.0 SPG 2.4 BPG
Accomplishments: 11x All-Star, 1986 Rookie of the Year, 7x All-NBA, 3x All-Defense, Member of the Hall of Fame

Patrick Ewing put the Knicks on his back every time he stepped out onto the court. He played most of his career with bad knees, but he never complained and played through it. Ask any player and they'll tell you, Ewing was a warrior. He battled Jordan's Bulls to the death and was only able to beat them when Jordan left the game the first time. Known mostly as a gritty defender, Pat added a money jumper to his game. Surprisingly, Ewing never won a DPOY award even though the defenses he anchored were consistently in the top three during his career.

Team(s): Bullets
Career Stats: 10.8 PPG 14.0 RPG 3.9 APG 1.1 SPG
Accomplishments: 5x All-Star, 1969 Rookie of the Year, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 1x All-NBA, 1x Champion, Member of the Hall of Fame

The originator of the perfect outlet pass, Wes Unseld stood at 6'7" and was built like Thor's hammer. The god was indestructible. He grabbed every board when he was in the game and broke collarbones with his solid picks. Come to think of it, we think he might be Kevin Love's biological father. He led the Washington Bullets to four Finals appearances, winning a title in 1978. Maybe the Wizards should change their names back to the Bullets. They already swagger-jacked the uniforms. And did we mention Wes looks like Sampson from Half Baked?

Team(s): Knicks
Career Stats: 18.7 PPG 12.9 RPG 1.8 APG
Accomplishments: 7x All-Star, 1965 Rookie of the Year, 1x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 5x All-NBA, 1x All-Defense, Member of the Hall of Fame

Reed only played 10 seasons, but he is a god in New York. All it took was a hobbled captain to walk out of the Garden tunnel to defeat a Lakers team that included Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and Wilt Chamberlain in Game 7 of the '70 NBA Finals. Willis patrolled the paint for those great Knicks team and was often their best player. He played with toughness and had more heart than 1,000 players combined. The Captain was a natural born leader. He was left-handed which caused problems for defenders. He could bang inside, but was also able to hit the 15-footer. Just ask the Lakers.

Team(s): Warriors, Bulls, Cavs
Career Stats: 15.0 PPG 15.0 RPG 2.7 APG 2.1 BPG
Accomplishments: 7x All-Star, 5x All-Defense, Member of the Hall of Fame

Nate Thurmond never backed down from anyone. He played with a brash style that made opposing centers cower in his presence, even some of the greats. He had a well-rounded game that included efficient offense, tenacious rebounding, and extraordinary defense. Thurmond owns the record of most rebounds in a quarter with 18 and was the first player to record a quadruple-double. He's often lost in the shuffle between Wilt and Kareem, but folks that saw him play can attest that Nate was the real deal and deserving of his Hall of Fame status.

Team(s): Rockets, Bullets
Career Stats: 21.0 PPG 12.5 RPG 1.8 APG 1.0 SPG 2.0 BPG
Accomplishments: 12x All-Star, 6x All-NBA, 2x All-Defense, 1x Champion, 1x Scoring Champion, 2x Rebounding Champion, Member of the Hall of Fame

Elvin Hayes played both power forward and center. But for the sake of this list we're calling him a center so take a chill pill. When "the Big E" retired he was fourth on the all-time scoring list (he's tenth now) and fourth on the all-time rebounding list (still there)—mainly due to him only missing nine games in his 12-year career. He had an unstoppable turn-around jumper and played defense like his life depended on it. He, along with Wes Unseld, delivered the Washington Bullets first and only championship.

Team(s): Lakers
Career Stats: 23.1 PPG 13.4 RPG 2.8 APG
Accomplishments: 4x All-Star, 5x Champion, 3x Scoring Champion, 2x Rebounding Leader, Member of the Hall of Fame

The Lakers long history of legendary big men started with Mikan. At 6'10", Mikan was the tallest man on the court when he played and subsequently the Minneapolis Lakers benefited from that, winning five consecutive titles (one in the BAA). His shot couldn't be blocked and he dominated the glass. He also created the Mikan Drill where a player would use his off-hand to make layups and is still used by coaches til this very day. You should've listened to coach when he told you to practice with your left (or right). Whatever floats your boat.

Team(s): Spurs
Career Stats: 21.1 PPG 10.6 RPG 2.5 APG 1.4 SPG 3.0 BPG
Accomplishments: 10x All-Star, 1990 Rookie of the Year, 1x MVP, 1x Defensive Player of the Year, 10x All-NBA, 8x All-Defense, 2x Champion, 1x Scoring Champion, 1x Rebounding Leader, 1x Blocks Leader, Member of the Hall of Fame

It's Mr. Robinson's neighborhood, we're just living in it. With a wide array of offensive moves in his arsenal, Robinson was one of the best all-around centers in the game. The Spurs instantly became contenders when they drafted him in 1987 and when he played only six games during the '97 season they found themselves in the lottery (they drafted Tim Duncan, btw). Robinson was so versatile he won a Defensive Player of the Year award in '92, scored 71 points during the last game of the '94 season to win the scoring title, and won an MVP for his '95 campaign. He finally won a couple rings towards the end of his career thanks to the Big Fundamental.

Team(s): Braves, Rockets, Sixers, Bullets, Hawks, Bucks, Spurs
Career Stats: 20.3 PPG 12.2 RPG 1.4 APG 1.3 BPG
Accomplishments: 13x All-Star, 3x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 8x All-NBA, 2x All-Defense, 1x Champion, 6x Rebounding Leader, Member of the Hall of Fame

Moses Malone played like a grown ass man, dawg. He was the missing piece that the '83 Sixers so desperately needed. After putting up an unreal 31 points and 15 rebounds per game in 1982, Malone signed with Philly. With Moses commanding the paint, the 76ers finally won a title after years of coming up short. The Sixers went 65-17 that season and only lost one game in the playoffs. Moses lead them to the promised land and predicted that they would sweep through the playoffs. Fo, fo, fo.

Team(s): Rockets, Raptors
Career Stats: 21.8 PPG 11.1 RPG 2.5 APG 1.7 SPG 3.1 BPG
Accomplishments: 12x All-Star, 1x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 2x Defensive Player of the Year, 12x All-NBA, 9x All-Defense, 2x Champion, 2x Rebounding Leader, 3x Blocks Leader, Member of the Hall of Fame

At 50 years young, the Dream Shake is most likely still unstoppable as it was when he was in his late twenties. By far Hakeem had the best footwork of any center that has ever picked up a basketball. When Michael retired, it was Olajuwon who took the throne. He outplayed Patrick Ewing in the 1994 Finals and embarrassed a young Shaq in the 1995 Finals. He not only dominated on the offensive end, he also was second to none on the defensive side of the ball. The Dream won two consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards ('93 & '94) to go along with his consecutive Finals MVPs ('94 & '95). Nowadays he coaches low post moves to the game's best.

Team(s): Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns, Cavs, Celtics
Career Stats: 23.7 PPG 10.9 RPG 2.5 APG 2.3 BPG
Accomplishments: 15x All-Star, 1993 Rookie of the Year, 1x MVP, 3x Finals MVP, 14x All-NBA, 3x All-Defense, 4x Champion, 2x Scoring Champion

Since the likes of Wilt the Stilt and maybe Andre the Giant, the world has never witnessed a physical specimen like Shaquille O'Neal. The Diesel was tall, built like a Batman tumbler, jumped out of the gym, and broke basketball courts at will. He was also a big time competitor and talked trash with the best of them, almost to his detriment. His competitive spirit and alpha dog personality aided the dismantling of the Laker dynasty. But he proved he wasn't finished the very next season when he led a Miami Heat team full of veterans and a young Dwyane Wade to the 2006 title. Shaq didn't only rely on his athletic ability. O'Neal used a bunch low post moves that embarrased opponents on a nightly basis. It's safe to say we will never see someone like Shaq again.

Team(s): Bucks, Lakers
Career Stats: 24.6 PPG 11.2 RPG 3.6 APG 0.9 SPG 2.6 BPG
Accomplishments: 19x All-Star, 1970 Rookie of the Year, 6x MVP, 2 Finals MVP, 15x All-NBA, 11x All-Defense, 6x Champion, 2x Scoring Champion, 1x Rebounding Leader, 4x Blocks Leader, Member of the Hall of Fame

When Kareem stepped on the scene no one knew what to do. He had about the same impact as a young Wilt Chamberlain because the higher ups had to change the rules. The NCAA banned dunking specifically because of Jabbar and UCLA's dominance. After winning three straight national championships, Lew Alcindor turned the NBA on it's head. Just when they thought they saw it all with Wilt and Russell, Jabbar proved that his skyhook—that he used since the fifth grade—was able to translate in the NBA. The shot was unblockable which earned him a .559 shooting percentage and it helped Kareem become the all-time leader in points (38,387).

Team(s): Warriors, Sixers, Lakers
Career Stats: 30.1 PPG 22.9 RPG 4.4 APG
Accomplishments: 13x All-Star, 1960 Rookie of the Year, 4x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 10x All-NBA, 2x All-Defense, 2x Champion, 7x Scoring Champion, 11x Rebounding Leader, Member of the Hall of Fame

Wilt the Stilt was the first of his kind. A 7-footer with a soft touch around the rim and the ability to touch the sky. His only peer was Bill Russell and even he couldn't handle Chamberlain on most nights. When he wasn't busy being a ladies' man, Wilt dominated the post. The NBA had to implement goal-tending because of him. Russell had the rings, but Chamberlain had the skills. It wasn't his fault he didn't have thirty hall of famers on his team. But still, he comes in at No. 2. You gotta get it done when it counts.

Team(s): Celtics
Career Stats: 15.1 PPG 22.5 RPG 4.3 APG
Accomplishments: 12x All-Star, 5x MVP, 11x All-NBA, 1x All-Defense, 11x Champion, 5x Rebounding Leader, Member of the Hall of Fame

Russell is the greatest leader sports has ever seen. He won 8 championships as a player and three as a player/coach. Some may say he had a slew of Hall of Famers around him, but they'll also say it was Russell's team. He turned rejecting shots into an art form which has been lost on today's youth, sort of like the mid-range jumper. Instead of smacking shit into the third row, Russell would tap it to his wing players and initiate a fast break. That and Kareem's skyhook should be taught to young centers everywhere. If blocks were tallied in his day, Bill probably would've averaged 6 per game. 11 rings are hard to deny, especially if you were the catalyst to all of them. Plus the Finals MVP is named after him. Bill Russell rings.